Memorial motorbike ride

Charity: Widow of tragic PC Andrew Harper led procession of 5,000 bikers

The widow of PC Andrew Harper led the procession as around 5,000 motorcyclists put on their full leathers to complete a charity ride in memory of the tragic police officer.

Lissie Harper was the passenger on her husband’s motorcycle, ridden by her brother Jake Beckett, which began the 15-mile journey from RAF Benson to Abingdon Airfield in Oxfordshire yesterday.

She was followed by Mr and Mrs Harper’s

“The family were overwhelmed with the support when they came”

immediate family, as members of the public lined the route to show their appreciation.

Organisers said more than £16,000 had been raised for PC Harper’s family and designated charities.

An RAF Benson spokesman said: “There were more than 4,000 people here, there were motorcycles as far as the eye can see.

“It might be closer to 5,000 people, actually.

“They started leaving in groups of about 500 from midday, and by 2pm they were probably only halfway through.

“The family were overwhelmed with the support when they arrived, and a lot of money has been raised.

RESPECTS: Around 5,000 motorcyclists took part in the charity ride in memory of the 28-year-old officer, killed in the line of duty in August

“People just wanted to show their respects.”

The 28-year-old newlywed, from Thames Valley Police, was killed on August 15 near the village of Sulhamstead in Berkshire.

He died from multiple injuries after being dragged under a van, four weeks after his wedding.

Around 800 mourners turned out for his funeral at Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford on October 14.

Suspects Henry Long, 18, from Mortimer in Reading, and two 17-year-old youths, who cannot be named because of their age, have been charged with murder and conspiracy to steal a quadbike.

Thomas King, 21, from Basingstoke, is also accused of conspiracy to steal a quad bike.

PC Andrew Harper